Apparatus and control of a single or multiple sources to fire countermeasure expendables on an aircraft

ABSTRACT

A sequencer for use with a countermeasure defense system includes an input signal indicative of firing an expendable, a circuit card that receives the input signal indicative of firing the expendable and an output analog signal from the circuit card that fires the expendable. The parameters of the output analog signal correspond to parameters of a digital waveform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional and claims priority of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/888,035 filed May 29, 2020 and is incorporatedby reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following generally relates to aircraft defense systems.Specifically, the following relates to a Countermeasure Dispenser System(CMDS). More specifically, the following relates to a system and processfor releasing expendables from a CMDS.

BACKGROUND

A CMDS dispenses expendables (i.e., chaff or flares) from a platformsuch as an aircraft in order to counter an incoming threat. Theexpendables may be released based on an input from a pilot or mayautomatically be released based on a threat detection unit interfacedwith the CMDS that detects an incoming threat. The CMDS includes a firesource that supplies a current pulse that electrically initiates apyrotechnic impulse cartridge. The pyrotechnic impulse cartridge is usedto dispense chaff or flare expendables from the aircraft. Generally, aCMDS includes at least two fire sources that operate at a duty cycle,such as 50%, limiting the fire rate of expendables. As a result, anaircraft may have available expendables, but may not be able to dispensethem during a time of need. Also, different expendables may requiredifferent voltages in order to initiate their corresponding pyrotechnicimpulse cartridge. A CMDS may be capable of supplying only one currentto a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge limiting the type of expendable theCMDS may be capable of firing. Furthermore, a CMDS may be susceptible toundesired fire pulse that may electrically initiate a pyrotechnicimpulse cartridge thereby causing a misfire.

SUMMARY

Modern threats require more than two fire sources that operate at ahigher duty cycle in order to fire expendables at a higher rate andfurther require a CMDS that is adaptable to different payloads thatrequire different firing voltages. Thus, there is a continuous unmetneed for a CMDS that includes more than two adaptable fire sources thatoperate at a higher than 50% duty cycle. There is also a continuousunmet need for a safer CMDS that is less susceptible to misfire due toan undesired fire pulse reaching a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge.Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to these continuous unmetneeds.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a sequencer for use with a countermeasure defense system ofplatform such as an aircraft. As used herein, aircraft includeshelicopters, UAV's, planes and the like. In a further example, theplatform includes maritime and land based assets. The sequencer mayinclude an input signal indicative of firing an expendable. Thesequencer may further include a circuit card that receives the inputsignal indicative of firing the expendable. The sequencer may furtherinclude an output analog signal from the circuit card assembly thatfires the expendable, wherein parameters of the output analog signalcorrespond to parameters of a digital waveform. This exemplaryembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide a memory of thecircuitry card wherein the parameters of the digital waveform are storedwithin the memory of the circuit card. This exemplary embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may provide wherein the parameters of thedigital waveform are user programmable. This exemplary embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may provide wherein the parameters of thedigital waveform include a user programmable rise time and userprogrammable fall time.

This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may providewherein the parameters of the digital waveform include a userprogrammable pulse cycle. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplaryembodiment may provide a first MUX connected to a first expendable; anda second MUX connected to a second expendable, wherein the first MUXoutputs a first analog signal that fires the first expendable and thesecond MUX outputs a second analog signal that fires the secondexpendable, and wherein parameters of the first analog signal correspondto a first digital waveform and parameters of the second analog signalcorrespond to a second digital waveform. This exemplary embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may provide wherein the parameters of thefirst analog signal correspond to a firing requirement of the firstexpendable and the parameters of the second analog signal correspond toa firing requirement of the second expendable, and wherein the firstexpendable and the second expendable are different. This exemplaryembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide wherein thesecond MUX outputs the second analog signal immediately after the firstMUX outputs the first analog signal.

This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may providefirst MUX connected to first expendable; a second MUX connected to asecond expendable; a third MUX connected to a third expendable; and afourth MUX connected to a fourth expendable, wherein the first MUX, thesecond MUX, the third MUX, and the fourth MUX simultaneously output ananalog signal that simultaneously fire the first expendable, the secondexpendable, the third expendable, and the fourth expendable. Thisexemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide anamplifier that compares an output current of the sequencer unit to athreshold. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment mayprovide an amplifier that determines if an output voltage of thesequencer corresponds to a voltage parameter of the analog signals.

In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure mayprovide a method for fifing an expendable countermeasure from a platformsuch as an aircraft. The method may include receiving an inputindicative of firing an expendable countermeasure with a circuit card.The method may further include generating, with the circuit card, adigital waveform as a function of the input. The method may furtherinclude generating, with the circuit card, an analog waveform as afunction of the digital waveform. The method may further include firingthe expendable countermeasure as a function of the analog waveform. Thisexemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide firingat several countermeasures simultaneously. This exemplary embodiment oranother exemplary embodiment may provide retrieving, with a programmablelogic device of the circuit card, at least one parameter of a digitalwaveform from a memory of the programmable logic device; and generatingthe digital waveform as a function of the at least one parameter.

This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may providewherein that at least one parameter is defined by a user or operator.This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may providewherein at least one parameter is a rise time, fall time, or a pulsecycle of the digital waveform. This exemplary embodiment or anotherexemplary embodiment may provide outputting, with the circuit card, avoltage to the countermeasure; determining the output voltagecorresponds to a voltage parameter of the analog waveform; and inresponse to determining the output voltage corresponds to the voltageparameter, firing the expendable countermeasure. This exemplaryembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide outputting, withthe circuit card, a voltage to the expendable countermeasure;determining the output voltage corresponds to a voltage parameter of theanalog waveform; and in response to determining the output voltage doesnot correspond to the voltage parameter, reducing the output voltage tothe expendable countermeasure.

In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosuremay provide a method for changing a countermeasure defense system of aplatform. The method may include removing a legacy first sequencer ofthe countermeasure defense system from the platform. The method mayfurther include installing a second sequencer that is user programmableinto the countermeasure defense system of the platform. This exemplaryembodiment or another exemplary embodiment may provide whereininstalling the second sequencer enables the aircraft to fire at leastfour expendables simultaneously or enables the aircraft to fire multipleexpendables sequentially without a period of time between firing eachexpendable. The sequencer has a total of eight fire sources. Four foreach dispenser to which it is attached. The limit is associated with twoconstraints. The first being power. Each fire source provides up to fiveamps to ignite the squib. Thermal operating environment limits theamount of power we can dissipate of the operational temperature range.Secondly, The platform structural design implementation limits thenumber if simultaneous dispenses due to the reaction forces associatedwith dispensing the expendables. In one example, countermeasure defensesystem may have eight independent fire source. There may be up to eightexpendables the can be dispensed simultaneously independent of theexpendable type (e.g., chaff, flare, etc.)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in thefollowing description, are shown in the drawings and are particularlyand distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 (FIG. 1 ) depicts an aircraft dispensing an expendable from acountermeasure defense system in response to a threat.

FIG. 2 (FIG. 2 ) depicts the countermeasure defense system of FIG. 1including a sequencer unit and a dispenser unit.

FIG. 3 (FIG. 3 ) depicts the dispenser unit of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 (FIG. 4 ) depicts the orientation of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C.

FIG. 4A (FIG. 4A) partially depicts the sequencer unit of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4B (FIG. 4B) partially depicts a processer of the sequencer unit ofFIG. 2 .

FIG. 4C (FIG. 4C) partially depicts the sequencer of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 (FIG. 5 ) depicts a programmable logic device of the sequencer ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 (FIG. 6 ) depicts a waveform produced by the programmable logicdevice of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 (FIG. 7 ) depicts another waveform produced by the programmablelogic device of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 8 (FIG. 8 ) depicts a fire source of the sequencer.

FIG. 9 (FIG. 9 ) depicts a process or system for automaticallydispensing an expendable from a platform.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one example, FIG. 1 depicts an platform 100 with aCountermeasure Dispenser System (CMDS). 102. The platform 100 in oneexample includes some form of radar warning receivers as part of athreat warning system and other electronic warfare sensors for platformsurvivability involving threats to the platform 100. In one example, theradar warning receiver and other sensors detects the threat. It operatesas a threat warning system and provides a signal to the CMDS to takesome action such as launching chaff and/or flares to provide RF and IRcountermeasures.

When a threat 104 is detected by the platform 100, the CMDS 102 maylaunch a plurality of expendables 106 depending upon the threat. In oneexample, as depicted in FIG. 1 , the CMDS 102 may launch a pluralitysuch as at least three expendables 106 including a first expendable 106₁, a second expendable 106 ₂, . . . , and an N expendable 106. While theCMDS 102 is depicted as launching at least three expendables 106, it isunderstood that the CMDS 102 may launch any number of expendables 106.While the threat 104 in this example is depicted as a missile, thethreat 104 may include other types of threats such as rockets, rocketpropelled grenade, drone, and even a radar detection signal or jammingsignal.

The expendables 106 in one example include chaff and/or flares. Chaffmay be used to reflect an incoming radar signal in order to temporarilyhide or confuse the whereabouts or characteristics of the platform 100.Flares, when dispensed, ignite behind the platform such as an platform100 and may attract a heat seeking missile thereby diverting the missilefrom the aircraft. The platform 100 may also engage in evasive maneuversin combination with the launch of the expendables 106 as well as othercountermeasure such as laser jamming.

FIG. 2 depicts a further example of the platform with the CMDS 102. TheCMDS 102 in one example includes an interface to a Digital ControlDisplay Unit (DCDU) 202, and there is a threat warning system alsoreferred to as an automatic threat detection unit (ATDU) 204. A radarwarning receiver and other sensors (not shown) provide information aboutthe threats to the system. The CMDS 102 is one system within anintegrated self-protection systems. The CMDS 102 receives threatinformation from platform sensors (e.g. RADAR Warning Receivers, ThreatWarning Receivers, etc.) and uses this information combined withinformation provided by the platform mission system (including NAV Data,Role, Pitch and Yaw rates, etc.) to dispense the optimum time sequenceof payload types to decoy or intercept the threat system.

The CMDS in one example includes a programmer unit 206, a sequencer unit208, and a dispenser unit 210. The DCDU 202, the ATDU 204, theprogrammer unit 206, and the sequencer unit 208 may each include logicthat may cause the DCDU 202, the ATDU 204, the programmer unit 206, andthe sequencer unit 208 to perform the functions discussed in furtherdetail below.

In one embodiment, the platform 100 may be a legacy aircraft with alegacy CMDS having a legacy sequencer unit. In this embodiment, thelegacy sequencer unit may be removed and replaced with a sequencer unit208 that properly interacts with a legacy dispenser unit of the legacyaircraft and a legacy programmer unit. As such, there is no need torebuild or contrast a new platform 100 when installing the differentsequencer unit 208. However, it is understood that the sequencer unit208 could be constructed on a new platform 100.

The DCDU 202 in one example provides a cockpit interface for receiving apilot instruction to dispense expendables 106. The input from the pilotmay include a dispensing mode, a payload selection, an emergencyjettison selection, etc. In one example, a pilot may fly over aterritory with a radar detection system and the pilot may determine itis desirable to hide the aircraft's 100 position from the radardetection system. As such, the pilot may input a command into the DCDU202 to dispense chaff. In another example, the radar system may alertthe pilot and/or the pilot may visually detect an incoming threat suchas a drone, rocket or missile. In this example, the pilot may determineit is desirable to release flares to divert the incoming threat from theplatform 100. As such, the pilot may input a command into the DCDU 202to dispense flares. After receiving the input from the pilot, the DCDU202 may send a first signal indicative of the input to the programmerunit 206.

In one embodiment, the platform 100 uses the ATDU 204 that uses sensorsand the radar system to detect one or more threats and devise anautomatic or semi-automatic response. In one example, the platformitself may be automated and no operator would be present on the platformto provide inputs although a remote operator might be present. Thethreat warning system 204 in one example automatically sends commands tothe CMDS 102 to take the desired action. In another example the ATDUprovides an alert to the pilot

The ATDU 204 may include one or more sensors that automatically detectthe threat 104. The sensors may include radar detectors adapted todetect an incoming missile. When the ATDU 204 detects the threat 104,the ATDU 204 may send a second signal indicative of the detected threat104 to the programmer unit 206. For example, if the ATDU 204 detects anincoming missile then the ATDU 204 may send a signal indicative of anincoming missile to the programmer unit 206.

After receiving either the first signal from the DCDU 202 or the secondsignal from the ATDU 204, the programmer unit 206 may determine anappropriate response as a function of the first signal or the secondsignal and countermeasure payload availability. After determining theappropriate response, the programmer unit 206 may send a fire signalindicative of the appropriate response to the sequencer unit 208. Thesignal may include a fire command and a payload type.

In one example, a pilot may determine it is necessary to jettisonweight. As such, the pilot may desire to jettison all expendables 106from the platform 100. Accordingly, the pilot may input a command tojettison all expendables 106 into the DCDU 202. The DCDU 202 may sendthe first signal indicative of the input to jettison all expendables 106to the programmer unit 206. The programmer unit 206 may receive thefirst signal and may determine the only expendables 106 available areflares. As a result, the programmer unit 206 may determine theappropriate response to the pilot input is to dispense all flares. Theprogrammer unit 206 may then send a fire signal to the sequencer unit208 indicative of the determined appropriate response to dispense allflares.

In another example, the ATDU 204 may automatically detect an incomingmissile. As such, the ATDU 204 sends the second signal indicative of anincoming missile to the programmer unit 206. In one instance, theprogrammer unit 206 may determine the appropriate response is todispense 8 flares from the platform 100 and may further determine 20flares remain in the countermeasure payload. Since the number of flaresto be dispensed is less than the number of flares remaining in thecountermeasure payload, the programmer unit 206 may determine theappropriate response is to dispense 8 flares. The programmer unit 206may then send the fire signal indicative of the determined appropriateresponse to dispense 8 flares to the sequencer unit 208.

In another example, the programmer unit 206 may determine theappropriate response is to dispense 8 flares from the platform 100 andmay determine 4 flares remain in the countermeasure payload. Since thenumber of flares to be dispensed is more than the number of flaresremaining in the countermeasure payload, the programmer unit 206 maydetermine the appropriate response is to dispense all of the flaresremaining in the countermeasure payload, in this instance 4. Theprogrammer unit 206 may then send a fire signal indicative of thedetermined appropriate response to dispense 4 flares to the sequencerunit 208.

As will be discussed in further detail herein, after receiving the firesignal from the programmer unit 206, the sequencer unit 208 may processthe fire signal into an analog signal or waveform indicative of the firesignal. The sequencer unit 208 may then send the analog signal to thedispenser unit 210 to dispense an expendable 106.

FIG. 3 depicts the dispenser unit 210. The dispenser unit 210 mayinclude a plurality of dispensers 302. Each dispenser 302 may interfacewith a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 on an expendable 106. Forexample, as depicted in FIG. 3 , the first dispenser 302 ₁ may interfacewith a first pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 ₁ on a first expendable106 ₁, a second dispenser 302 ₂ may interface with a second pyrotechnicimpulse cartridge 304 ₂ on a second expendable 106 ₂, a third dispenser3023 may interface with a third pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 3043 on athird expendable 106 ₃, . . . , and an N dispenser 302 _(N) mayinterface with an N pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304N on an Nexpendable 106N. While FIG. 3 depicts the dispenser unit 210 asinterfacing with at least four dispensers 302 each with a pyrotechnicimpulse cartridge 304 on an expendable 106, it is understood that thedispenser unit 210 may interface with any number of dispensers 302 witha pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 on an expendable 106.

The firing signal from the programmer unit 206 is a command to thesequencer unit 208 may further include an expendable 106 selection forfiring. The programmer unit 206 may direct the sequencer unit 208 toselect an expendable 106 for firing as a function of the determinedappropriate response, expendable 106 availability, and a fire timecoordination.

In one example, the programmer unit 206 may command to the sequencerunit to 208 to determine the appropriate response as dispensing twoflares. In this example, the dispenser unit 210 may include a firstdispenser 302 ₁ interfaced with a first expendable 106 ₁, a seconddispenser 302 ₂ interfaced with a second expendable 106 ₂, a thirddispenser 3023 interfaced with a third expendable 106 ₃, and a fourthdispenser 3024 interfaced with a fourth expendable 106 ₄. The firstexpendable 106 ₁ and the second expendable 106 ₂ may be flares and thethird expendable 106 ₃ and the fourth expendable 106 ₄ may be chaff. Assuch, the programmer unit 206 may select the first expendable 106 ₁ andthe second expendable 106 ₂ for firing.

The sequencer unit 208 may command to the sequencer unit 208 to enablean expendable 106 for firing as a function of the firing signal from theprogrammer unit 206 by creating an electrical connection between thesequencer unit 208 and the expendable 106. Creating the electricalconnection allows the sequencer unit 208 to send the analog signal to acorresponding dispenser 302 to electrically initiate a correspondingpyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 so that the enabled expendable 106 maybe dispensed from the platform 100.

In one example, the dispenser unit 210 may include a first dispenser 302₁ interfaced with a first expendable 106 ₁, a second dispenser 302 ₂interfaced with a second expendable 106 ₂, a third dispenser 3023interfaced with a third expendable 106 ₃, and a fourth dispenser 3024interfaced with a fourth expendable 106 ₄. The first expendable 106 ₁and the second expendable 106 ₂ may be flares and the third expendable106 ₃ and the fourth expendable 106 ₄ may be chaff. In this example, theprogrammer unit 206 may determine the appropriate response to a threat104 is to dispense two flares. As such, the firing signal may includeselecting the first expendable 106 ₁ and the second expendable 106 ₂ forfiring. As such, the sequencer unit 208 may enable the first expendable106 ₁ and the second expendable 106 ₂ for firing by creating anelectrical connection between the sequencer unit 208 and the firstexpendable 106 ₁ and the second expendable 106 ₂. The sequencer unit 208may then send the analog signal to the first dispenser 302 ₁ and thesecond dispenser 302 ₂ to electrically initiate a first pyrotechnicimpulse cartridge 304 ₁ and a second pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 ₂thereby dispensing the first expendable 106 ₁ and the second expendable106 ₂.

FIG. 4 diagrammatically depicts the orientation of FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, andFIG. 4C. Together, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C depict the sequencerunit 208. The sequencer unit 208 may include a processor circuit cardassembly (CCA) 402 and a sequencer CCA 404. As used herein, CCA refersto any form of circuit card such as a printed circuit assembly, printedcircuit board assembly and the like.

FIG. 4B depicts the processor CCA 402. The processor CCA 402 mayconnected to the programmer unit 206 via a sequencer data link (SDL) 406and may receive the firing signal via the SDL 406. The SDL 406 mayinclude an Ethernet port and may operate at speeds greater than 1gigabit per second (Gbps) allowing the processor CCA 402 to communicatewith the programmer unit 206 at data rates greater than 1 Gbps. In oneembodiment, the SDL 406 may meet the requirements of a legacy CMDSalready installed on an platform 100. Accordingly, the sequencer unit208 may be installed on and be backward compatible with a legacyaircraft with a legacy CMDS.

The processor CCA 402 may include a power protector 408 connected to thesequencer data link 406. The power protector 408 is connected to a logicpower unit 410. The logic power unit 410 is connected to first powerconditioning unit 412, a second power conditioning unit 414, and amicrocontroller 416. The first power conditioning unit 412, the secondpower conditioning unit 414, and the microcontroller 416 are connectedto a system on a chip (SoC) 418. The SoC 418 may include a fieldprogrammable array (FPGA) and a processor. The SoC 418 may be incommunication with the SDL 406 and may receive the firing signal. TheSoC 418 may receive the firing signal and may output a stream of serialmessages indicative of the firing signal. The SoC 418 is connected to afirst level shift 420, a second level shift 422, a third level shift424, a fourth level shift 426, and a fifth level shift 428. The firstlevel shift 420 is identical to the third level shift 424 and the secondlevel shift 422 is identical to the fourth level shift 426. The fifthlevel shift 428 is connected to an H-bridge 430, a discrete-to-digitalconverter 432, a general next generation power unit 434, a recommendedstandard-422 (RS-422) unit 436, and a discrete line sharing unit 438.The H-Bridge 430 is connected to the discrete-to-digital converter 432.The discrete line sharing unit 438 is connected to the RS-422 unit 436.

The sequencer CCA 404 may include an A side 440 and a B side 442 that isidentical to the A side 440. FIG. 4A depicts the A side 440 and FIG. 4Cdepicts the B side 442. Reference numerals on the A side 440 identifyidentical elements on the B side 442. For the sake of brevity, only theA side 440 will be discussed in further detail below.

The sequencer unit 208 may further include a protocol serial bus or anauxiliary (aux) bus 444. The processor CCA 402 may be connected to thesequencer CCA 404 via the aux bus 444. The aux bus 444 may carry thestream of serial messages from the processor CCA 402 to a programmablelogic device (PLD) 446 on the A side 440 or the B side 442 of thesequencer CCA 404. As will be discussed in further detail below, whenthe PLD 446 receives a serial message indicative of a firing signal, thePLD 446 may generate a digital waveform or a pulse waveform. The PLD 446is connected to a first digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 448 and asecond DAC 450 and sends the digital pulse waveform to the first DAC 448and the second DAC 450. The first DAC 448 converts the digital pulsewaveform and outputs a first analog signal that includes a voltage basedon the digital pulse waveform and the second DAC 450 converts thedigital pulse waveform and outputs a second analog signal that includesa current based on the digital pulse waveform.

The PLD 446 may also be connected to an oscillator 452, a comparator454, a resistive divider 456, a sixth level shift 458, a firstanalog-to-digital converter (ADC) 460, a second ADC 462, a seventh levelshift 464, an eighth level shift 466, and a ninth level shift 468. Thefirst ADC 460 is connected to a first built-in-test (BIT) multiplexer(MUX) 470. The second ADC 462 is connected to the second BIT MUX 472.The first DAC 448 and the second DAC 450 are connected to the second BITMUX 472 and a group of fire sources 474.

The group of fire sources 474 includes a number of fire sources (i.e.,2, 4, 6, 8, etc.). In one example, the group of fire sources 474 mayinclude four fire sources. In this example, the group of fire sources474 includes a first fire source, a second fire source, a third firesource, and a fourth fire source. In another example, the group of firesources 474 may include six fire sources. In this example, the group offire sources 474 includes a first fire source, a second fire source, athird fire source, a fourth fire source, a fifth fire source, and asixth fire source.

The seventh level shift 464 is connected to a poll source 476 and asmart stores communication interface modulation and demodulation unit478. The second BIT MUX 472, the poll source 476, and the smart storescommunication interface modulation and demodulation unit 478 are alsoconnected to the group of fire sources 474. A temperature sensing unit480 is connected to the first BIT MUX 470. The resistive divider 456,the sixth level shift 458, the first BIT MUX 470, the group of firesources 474, and the smart stores communication interface modulation anddemodulation unit 478 are connected to a group of fire MUX 482. Thegroup of fire MUX 482 includes a number of fire MUX (i.e., 15, 30, 35,etc.).

The number of fire MUX in the group of fire MUX 482 may be dependentupon the number of dispensers 302 as each fire MUX in the group of fireMUX 482 includes an output port 483 that is connected to a dispenser 302_(N). In one example, the dispenser unit 210 may include 60 dispensers302. In this example, 30 of the dispensers 302 may each be connected toa different fire MUX (for a total of 30 fire MUX) in the group of fireMUX 482 on the A side 440 of the sequencer CCA 404 and 30 of thedispensers 302 may each be connected to a different fire MUX in thegroup of fire MUX 482 on the B side 442 of the sequencer CCA 404. Inanother example, the dispenser unit 210 may include 70 dispensers 302.In this example, 35 of the dispensers 302 may each be connected to adifferent fire MUX in the group of fire MUX 482 on the A side 440 of thesequencer CCA 404 and 35 of the dispensers 302 may each be connected toa different fire MUX in the group of fire MUX 482 on the B side 442 ofthe sequencer CCA 404.

A set of fire MUX in the group of fire MUX 482 are connected to a firesource in the group of fire sources 474. In one example, the group offire MUX 482 may include 30 fire MUX and the group of fire sources 474may include 4 fire sources. In this example, a first set of fire MUX areconnected to a first fire source, a second set of fire MUX are connectedto a second fire source, a third set of fire MUX are connected to athird fire source, and a fourth set of fire MUX are connected to afourth fire source. In this example, the first set of fire MUX mayinclude 8 fire MUX, the second set of fire MUX may include 8 fire MUX,the third set of fire MUX may include 7 fire MUX, and the fourth set offire MUX may include 7 fire MUX. In another example the group of fireMUX 482 may include 40 fire MUX and the group of fire sources 474 mayinclude 5 fire sources. In this example, a first set of fire MUX areconnected to a first fire source, a second set of fire MUX are connectedto a second fire source, a third set of fire MUX are connected to athird fire source, a fourth set of fire MUX are connected to a fourthfire source, and a fifth set of fire MUX are connected to a fifth firesource. In this example, the first set of fire MUX may include 8 fireMUX, the second set of fire MUX may include 8 fire MUX, the third set offire MUX may include 8 fire MUX, the fourth set of fire MUX may include8 fire MUX, and the fifth set of fire MUX may include 8 fire MUX.

The sequencer unit 208 enables the an expendable 106 for firing via afire source in the group of fire sources 474 and a fire MUX in the groupof fire MUX 482. In one example, the group of fire MUX 482 may include afirst set of fire MUX connected to a first fire source, a second set offire MUX connected to a second fire source, a third set of fire MUXconnected to a third fire source, and a fourth set of fire MUX connectedto a fourth fire source. In this example, the first set of fire MUXinclude 8 fire MUX numbered 1-8 each connected to a correspondingdispenser 302 ₁-302 ₈ with a corresponding expendable 106 ₁-106 ₈, thesecond set of fire MUX include 8 fire MUX numbered 9-16 each connectedto a corresponding dispenser 302 ₉-302 ₁₆ with a correspondingexpendable 106 ₉-106 ₁₆, the third set of fire MUX include 7 fire MUXnumbered 17-23 each connected to a corresponding dispenser 302 ₁₇-302 ₂₃with a corresponding expendable 106 ₁₇-106 ₂₃, and the fourth set offire MUX include 7 fire MUX numbered 24-30 each connected to acorresponding dispenser 302 ₂₄-302 ₃₀ with a corresponding expendable106 ₂₄-106 ₃₀. In this example, the programmer unit 206 may select theexpendable 106 ₁₃ for firing. As such, the sequencer unit 208 may createan electrical connection to the via the second fire source and the13^(th) fire MUX.

As will be discussed in further detail herein, after enabling anexpendable 106 for firing, a fire source provides voltage and current toa corresponding pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 to fire the expendable106. Furthermore, each fire source in the group of fire sources 474 may,at different times or simultaneously, supply voltage and current to apyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 to fire an expendable 106 or each firesource may. As such, a CMDS 102 may simultaneously a number ofexpendables 106 as a function of a number of fire sources within thesequencer unit 208.

In one example, the group of fire sources 474 may contain a first firesource, a second fire source, a third fire source, and a fourth firesource. In this example, the first fire source may fire a firstexpendable 106 ₁, the second fire source may fire a second expendable106 ₂, the third fire source may fire a third expendable 106 ₃, and thefourth fire source may fire a fourth expendable 106 ₄. As such, the CMDS102 may fire the first expendable 106 ₁, the second expendable 106 ₂,the third expendable 106 ₃, and the fourth expendable 106 ₄simultaneously.

In another example, the group of fire sources 474 may contain a firstfire source, a second fire source, a third fire source, a fifth firesource, and a sixth fire source. In this example, the first fire sourcemay fire a first expendable 106 ₁, the second fire source may fire asecond expendable 106 ₂, the third fire source may fire a thirdexpendable 106 ₃, the fourth fire source may fire a fourth expendable106 ₄, the fifth fire source may fire a fifth expendable 106 ₅, and thesixth fire source may fire a sixth expendable 106 ₆. As such, the CMDS102 may fire the first expendable 106 ₁, the second expendable 106 ₂,the third expendable 106 ₃, the fourth expendable 106 ₄ simultaneously,the fifth expendable 106 ₅, and the sixth expendable 106 ₆simultaneously.

As previously discussed, a CMDS of a legacy aircraft may include twofire sources that may or may not be capable of firing simultaneously.Accordingly, when the sequencer unit 208 is installed on a legacyaircraft, the sequencer unit 208 may provide the legacy aircraft withthe ability to fire more than two expendables simultaneously.

The eighth level shift 466 is connected to a first input/output (I/O)expander 484, a second I/O expander 486, and a third I/O expander 488.The third I/O expander 488 is connected to a RS-422 unit 490. The ninthlevel shift 468 is connected to an environmental sensor 492. The secondlevel shift 422 of the processor CCA 402 is connected to the seventhlevel shift 464 and the RS-422 unit 490.

FIG. 5 depicts the PLD 446. The PLD 446 implements programmable firmwarethat allows the PLD 446 to control the first DAC 448 and the second DAC450 to ramp a current of an analog waveform at a desired rate. The PLD446 may include a firing register 502, a fire engine 504, an edge memory506, a first timer 508, a second timer 510, and a fire source DAC 512.

The firing register 502 is connected to the aux bus 444 and may receivethe stream of serial messages from the SoC 418 via the aux bus 444. Theaux bus 444 may write and save the serial messages to the firingregister 502. The firing register 502 may monitor the saved serialmessages for a change within the saved serial messages indicative of thefiring signal.

The fire engine 504 is connected to the edge memory 506. The edge memory506 may include parameters of a digital pulse waveform. The parametersmay include a shape, an edge time (i.e., a voltage rise time to amaximum voltage or a voltage fall time to a minimum voltage), and apulse cycle or pulse width (i.e., a time the waveform maintains amaximum voltage). These parameters are user programmable, are storedwithin the edge memory 506, and define parameters of an analog firingpulse waveform that is used to electrically initiate an impulsecartridge 304.

The parameters of the digital waveform are selected to mitigatemisfiring due to an undesired waveform (i.e., due to a short in wiringto an expendable 106 or electromagnetic interference (EMI)) electricallyinitiating a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304. The sequencer unit 208may be installed on a legacy aircraft without the edge memory 506.Legacy aircrafts without the edge memory 506 may not generate analogwaveforms that, after processing by a processor, electrically initiateimpulse cartridges based on a user programmable digital pulse waveform.These analog waveforms that are used to electrically initiate impulsecartridges of legacy aircrafts may not include parameters that mitigatemisfiring. As a result, a legacy aircraft without the sequencer unit 208may be more susceptible to misfiring than the platform 100 with thesequencer unit 208. Hence, when the sequencer unit 208 is installed on alegacy aircraft, the sequencer unit 208 may provide additional safetyfeatures to the legacy aircraft by providing an analog waveform withparameters that mitigate misfiring.

Furthermore, the parameters of the digital pulse waveform may beselected based on an expendable 106 type. For example, a firstpyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 ₁ may require a first voltage to firea first expendable 106 ₁ and a second pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304₂ may require a second voltage to fire a second expendable 106 ₂. Inthis example, the parameters of a digital waveform used to create ananalog waveform to fire the first expendable 106 ₁ may include valuescorresponding to the first voltage and the parameters of a digitalwaveform used to create an analog waveform to fire the second expendable106 ₂ may include values corresponding to the second voltage. Legacyaircraft without the sequencer unit 208 and the edge memory 506 may onlysupply a first voltage to a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304. As aresult, a legacy aircraft without the sequencer unit 208 and the edgememory 506 may be limited in the type of expendable 106 it is capable offiring. Hence, when the sequencer unit 208 is installed on a legacyaircraft, the sequencer unit 208 may provide the legacy aircraft withthe ability to fire different expendables 106.

After receiving the first signal from the firing register 502, the fireengine 504 access the edge memory 506 and obtains the digital pulsewaveform parameters. The fire engine 504 is further connected to thefirst timer 508 and the second timer 510. The first timer 508 and thesecond timer 510 control a digital clock domain of the fire engine 504.The digital clock domain of the fire engine 504 is used to generatevalues corresponding to the shape, the edge time, and/or the pulse cycleof the digital pulse waveform as a function of the obtained parameters.

The first timer 508 may define the value of the pulse cycle of thedigital pulse waveform as a function of the obtained parameters. Thevalue of the digital pulse waveform may be longer than an pulse cycle ofan undesired waveform. The first timer 508 may be set to any value(i.e., 1.0 millisecond (ms) 1.5 ms, 2.0 ms, etc.). In one example, theobtained parameters may include a 1 ms pulse cycle. In this example, thefirst timer 508 may control a digital clock domain of the fire engine504 to output a 1 ms pulse cycle value. In another example the obtainedparameters may include a 2 ms pulse cycle. In this example the firsttimer 508 may control a digital clock domain of the fire engine 504 tooutput a 2 ms pulse cycle value.

The second timer 510 may define a time between different voltage valueswhich may be used to define an edge time of a corresponding digitalpulse waveform as a function of the obtained parameters. The value ofthe edge time of the of the digital pulse waveform may be longer than anedge time of an undesired waveform. The second timer 510 may be set toany value (i.e., 5 micro seconds (μs), 10 μs, 15 μs, etc.). In oneexample the obtained parameters may include a 100 μs rise time and thesecond timer 510 may be set to 10 μs. In this example, the second timer510 may control a digital clock domain of the fire engine 504 to outputa different voltage value every 10 μs until a 100 μs rise time isachieved. In another example, the obtained parameters may include a 200μs rise time and the second timer 510 may be set to 5 μs. In thisexample, the second timer 510 may control a digital clock domain of thefire engine 504 to output a different voltage value every 5 μs until a200 μs rise time is achieved.

The fire engine 504 is further connected to the fire source DAC 512 andsends the defined values (including edge time and pulse cycle) of thedigital pulse waveform to the fire source DAC 512. The fire source DAC512 is connected to the firing register 502, the fire engine 504, andthe second timer 510. The second timer 510 controls a digital clockdomain of the fire source DAC 512. The digital clock domain of the firesource DAC 512 may further define the edge time values of the digitalpulse waveform. The fire source DAC 512 receives the defined values ofthe digital pulse waveform from the fire engine 504 and receives valuesfrom the firing register 502 to further define the digital pulsewaveform. The fire source DAC 512 may read the values back to the firingregister 502 and the firing register 502 may further define the valuesof the digital pulse waveform in response to receiving the read backvalues from the fire source DAC 512.

After further defining the values of the digital pulse waveform, thefire source DAC 512 generates a first digital pulse waveform and asecond digital pulse waveform as a function of the further definedvalues. The first digital pulse waveform and the second digital pulsewaveform include current and voltage values that define current andvoltage values of the analog waveform that electrically initiates apyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304. The fire source DAC 512 is connectedto the first DAC 448 via a first serial peripheral interface (SPI) 514,but could extend to any serial or parallel communication interfacebetween integrated circuits. The fire source DAC 512 is also connectedto connected to the second DAC 450 via a second SPI 516. The fire sourceDAC 512 sends the first digital pulse waveform to the first DAC 448 andsends the second digital pulse waveform to the second DAC 450. The firstSPI 514 controls the first DAC 448 to output a first analog waveformwith a voltage at a given time as a function of the first digital pulsewaveform and the second SPI 516 controls the second DAC 450 to output asecond analog waveform with a current at a given time as a function ofthe second digital pulse waveform. The first analog waveform and thesecond analog waveform are used to fire an enabled expendable 106.

FIG. 6 depicts an analog waveform 602 that is produced by the first DAC448 or the second DAC 450. The analog waveform 602 includes a setupcycle 604, a pulse width or pulse cycle 606, and a hold cycle 608. Thepulse cycle 606 is between a pulse rise 610 and a pulse fall 612. FIG. 6further depicts a second waveform 614. The second waveform 614 may be anundesired waveform (i.e., an EMI waveform). The second waveform 614includes the pulse rise 610 and includes a pulse fall 616. The secondwaveform 614 has a shorter pulse width 618 than the pulse cycle 606 ofthe analog waveform 602. Since the second waveform 614 includes ashorter pulse cycle, the second waveform 614 may not electricallyinitiate a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 as the pyrotechnic impulsecartridge 304 may require a longer pulse cycle to fire.

FIG. 7 depicts an analog waveform 702 that is produced by the first DAC448 or the second DAC 450. The analog waveform 702 may include aplurality of output voltages 704. As depicted in FIG. 7 the analogwaveform 702 may include a first voltage 704 ₁, a second voltage 704 ₂,a third voltage 704 ₃, a fourth voltage 704 ₄, a fifth voltage 704 ₅, .. . , an N-2 voltage 704 _(N-2), an N-1 voltage 704 _(N-1), and an Nvoltage 704 _(N). While the analog waveform 702 is depicted as includingat least eight output voltages 704, it is understood that the analogwaveform 702 may include any number of output voltages 704. The Nvoltage 704 _(N) corresponds to a maximum output voltage of the analogwaveform 702. The voltages increase after a time 706 and the timebetween the first voltage 704 ₁ and the N voltage 704 _(N) defines arise time 708 of the analog waveform 702. The rise time 708 may bedetermined by the parameters stored in the edge memory 506 and the time706 between voltages may be determined by the second timer 510. Theanalog waveform 702 may take a longer time to reach the N voltage 704_(N) than an undesired waveform and as such, only the analog waveform702 may electrically initiate a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 as thepyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 may require a longer rise time tofire.

FIG. 8 depicts a fire source 802. As will be discussed in further detailbelow, the fire source 802 receives the first analog waveform from thefirst DAC 448 and the second analog waveform from the second DAC 450 andsends a signal corresponding to the first analog waveform and the secondanalog waveform to a dispenser 302 with an enabled expendable 106.

The fire source 802 includes a pulse shaping clamp 804 that is connectedto the first DAC 448 and the second DAC 450 and receives the firstanalog waveform from the first DAC 448 and the second analog waveformfrom the second DAC 450. The pulse shaping clamp 804 is connected to apower source 806 and a field-effect transistor (FET) 808 of the firesource 802. The power source 806 supplies a voltage that is used to firean expendable 106.

The FET 808 receives a voltage from the power source 806 and a setcurrent and a set voltage from the pulse shaping clamp 804. The voltagefrom the power source 806 may be set to any voltage (i.e., 20 Volts (V),25 V, 30 V, etc.). The set voltage corresponds to the voltage for thefirst analog waveform from the first DAC 448 at a given time and the setcurrent corresponds to the current of the second analog waveform fromthe second DAC 450 at a given time. The set voltage determines a voltagethat is output to a dispenser 302 with an enabled expendable 106 toelectrically initiate a corresponding pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304.

Furthermore, the FET 808 may be connected to a plurality of dispensers302. For example, as depicted in FIG. 8 , the FET 808 may be connectedto a first dispenser 302 ₁, a second dispenser 302 ₂, . . . and an Ndispenser 302 _(N). While FIG. 8 depicts the FET 808 as connected to atleast three dispensers 302, it is understood that the FET 808 may beconnected to any number of dispensers 302. Furthermore, the FET 808 mayhave a 100% duty cycle. That is, the FET 808 may continuously supplyvoltage and current to different expendables 106 without a cool downperiod between supplying voltage and current to different expendables106. For example, the FET 808 may supply voltage and current to a firstdispenser 302 ₁ with an enabled first expendable 106 ₁ that electricallyinitiates a first pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 ₁ thereby firing thefirst expendable 106 ₁. Immediately after firing the first expendable106 ₁, the FET 808 may supply current and voltage to a second dispenser302 ₂ with an enabled second expendable 106 ₂ that electricallyinitiates a second pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 ₂ thereby firingthe second expendable 106 ₂. This process may be repeated for allexpendables 106 connected to the FET 808. As previously discussed, aCMDS of a legacy aircraft may have a 50% duty cycle which may require acool down period between firing expendables 106. As such, when thesequencer unit 208 is installed on a legacy aircraft, the sequencer unit208 may provide a legacy aircraft with the ability to continuously fireexpendables 106.

The FET 808 acts a voltage controlled current source. The FET 808 maychange the voltage from the power source 806 by lowering the voltagefrom the power source 806 to output a voltage and a current thatcorrespond to the set voltage and the set current at the given time. TheFET 808 changes the voltage from the power source 806 to the outputvoltage and current by changing a voltage on a voltage gate of the FET808 thereby changing a current that flows through the FET 808 to the setcurrent.

The FET 808 is further connected to a first amplifier 810. The firstamplifier 810 is connected to a resistor 812 and the pulse shaping clamp804. The first amplifier 810 measures the output current of the FET 808and sends a signal indicative of the measured output current to thepulse shaping clamp 804.

The first amplifier 810 may be further connected to a diode 814 which isconnected to the dispensers 302. When an expendable 106 is enabled, acorresponding dispenser 302 may begin to draw the output current fromthe FET 808 as a function of the output voltage and a load or resistanceof an enabled expendable 106. As such, the FET 808 may output acorresponding current. As previously discussed, the output current ismeasured by the first amplifier 810. The resistance of an expendable 106may be user programmable when installed correctly and may have adifferent resistance when installed incorrectly or when there is a faultbetween the fire source 802 and an expendable 106. When installedincorrectly or when there is a fault between the fire source 802 and anexpendable 106 the expendable 106 may begin to draw more current whichmay electrically initiate a corresponding pyrotechnic impulse cartridge304 thereby causing a misfire.

In one example, the FET 808 may output 5 V as a function of the firstanalog waveform to a first dispenser 302 ₁ with an enabled firstexpandable 106 ₁. In this example, the first expendable 106 ₁ may have aresistance of 1 ohm (Ω). As such, the first expendable 106 ₁ may beginto draw 5 amps (A) from the FET 808. Accordingly, the FET 808 may output5 A. In another example, the FET 808 may output 6 V as a function of thesecond analog waveform to a second dispenser 302 ₂ with an enabledsecond expendable 106 ₂. In this example, the second expendable 106 ₂may be incorrectly wired and may have a resistance of ½ Ω. As such, thesecond expendable 106 ₂ may begin to draw 12 A from the FET 808.Accordingly, the FET 808 may output 12 A.

The diode 814 may be further connected to a plurality of FETs 816. WhileFIG. 8 depicts the diode 814 as connected to at least three FETs 816including a first FET 816 ₁, a second FET 816 ₂, . . . , and an N FET816 _(N) it is understood that the diode 814 may be connected to anynumber of FETs 816. Each FET 816 may be further connected to acorresponding diode 818, a corresponding dispenser 302, and acorresponding fire MUX in a set of fire MUX 820. For example, asdepicted in FIG. 8 , the first FET 816 ₁ may be connected to a firstdiode 818 ₁, a first dispenser 302 ₁, and a first fire MUX, the secondFET 816 ₂ may be connected to a second diode 818 ₂, a second dispenser302 ₂, and a second fire MUX, . . . , and the N FET 816 _(N) may beconnected to an N diode 818 _(N), an N dispenser 302 _(N), and an N fireMUX. The number of FETs 816 is dependent upon the number of dispensers302. In one example, 8 dispensers 302 may be connected to the firesource 802. In this example, eight FETs 816 are connected to the firesource 802 and each FET 816 is connected to the diode 814, acorresponding diode 818, a corresponding dispenser 302 and acorresponding fire MUX.

The diodes 818 may be further connected to a second amplifier 822. Whenan expendable 106 is enabled, the output voltage from the FET 808 flowsthrough a corresponding FET 816 and a corresponding diode 818 to adispenser 302 with the enabled expendable 106 and to the secondamplifier 822. The second amplifier 822 receives the output voltage froma diode 818 and measures the output voltage. The second amplifier 822 isfurther connected to the pulse shaping clamp 804 and sends a signalindicative of the measured output voltage to the pulse shaping clamp804.

The pulse shaping clamp 804 includes a first comparator. The firstcomparator receives the signal indicative of the measured output currentfrom the first amplifier 810. The first comparator compares the measuredoutput current to a threshold. If the measured current exceeds thethreshold, then pulse shaping clamp 804 sends a signal to the FET 808 tooutput a current corresponding to the threshold. In one example, themeasured output current may be 10 A. In this example, the threshold maybe 6 A. As such, the first comparator may determine the measured currentexceeds the threshold and sends a signal to the FET 808 to output 6 A.The FET 808 may then output 6 A. In another example, the measured outputcurrent may be 12 A and the threshold may be 5 A. In this example, thefirst comparator may determine the measured current exceeds the firstthreshold and sends a signal to the FET 808 to output 5 A. FET 808 maythen output 5 A.

As previously discussed, a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 may have avoltage requirement and a current requirement to electrically initiate.When the CMDS 102 attempts to fire an expendable 106, the first DAC 448and the second DAC 450 output an analog waveform with a voltage and acurrent that may satisfy the requirements of a pyrotechnic impulsecartridge 304. When the measured current exceeds the first threshold andthe output current of the FET 808 is adjusted to correspond to thethreshold, then the voltage output to an enabled expendable 106 may nolonger be set by the second DAC 450 as it is now determined as afunction of the threshold. The threshold may be user programmable andmay be set to any value. Furthermore, the threshold may be set to avalue such that when the FET 808 is adjusted to output a currentcorresponding to the first threshold, a corresponding output voltagereceived by an enabled expendable 106 is less than the voltagerequirement of a corresponding pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304. Assuch, the corresponding pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 may not fire.

In one example, the FET 808 may initially output 5 V and 10 A, but sincethe first comparator determined a current output by the FET 808 exceededthe threshold, the FET 808 may adjust the current output to 6 A. In thisexample, an enabled expendable 106 that receives the output voltage mayhave a resistance of ½ Ω. As such, a dispenser 302 with the enabledexpendable 106 may now receive 3 V. Furthermore, a correspondingpyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 may require 5 V to fire. Thepyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 may now receive 3 V and as such, maynot fire. In another example, the FET 808 may initially output 3 V and12 A, but since the first comparator determined a current output by theFET 808 exceeded the threshold, the FET 808 may adjust the currentoutput to 8 A. In this example, an enabled expendable 106 may have aresistance of ¼ Ω. As such, a dispenser 302 with the enabled expendable106 may now receive 2 V. Furthermore, a corresponding pyrotechnicimpulse cartridge 304 may require 3 V to fire. The pyrotechnic impulsecartridge 304 may now receive 2 V and as such, may not fire.

If the measured current does not exceed the threshold, then the pulseshaping clamp 804 does not send a signal to the FET 808 to adjust theoutput current and the FET 808 may continue to output the read current.In one example, the measured current from the first comparator may be 5A and the first threshold may be 6 A. In this example, the firstcomparator may determine the measured current does not exceed the firstthreshold and the FET 808 may continue to output 5 A. In anotherexample, the measured current from the first comparator may be 4 A andthe first threshold may be 8 A. In this example, the first comparatormay determine the measured current does not exceed the first thresholdand the FET 808 may continue to output 4 A.

The pulse shaping clamp 804 may further include a second comparator. Thesecond comparator receives the signal indicative of the measured outputvoltage from the second amplifier 822 and the voltage of the firstanalog waveform from the first DAC 448. The second comparator comparesthe measured voltage to the voltage of the first analog waveform.

If the measured voltage does not correspond to the voltage of the firstanalog waveform (i.e., the measured voltage is not the same as thevoltage of the first analog waveform, the measured voltage is not withina given tolerance of the first analog waveform, etc.), then the pulseshaping clamp 804 may stop sending the set voltage and the set currentto the FET 808. As a result, the FET 808 may stop outputting current andvoltage to a dispenser 302 with an enabled expendable 106. Furthermore,when the measured voltage does not correspond to the voltage of thefirst analog waveform from the first DAC 448, then the fire source 802may send a signal indicative of the stopped output to the second BIT MUX472. The second BIT MUX 472 may determine if a misfire has occurred as afunction of the signal indicative of the stopped output. If the secondBIT MUX 472 determines that a misfire has occurred, then the second BITMUX 472 may send a signal indicative of a misfire to the PLD 446.

If the measured voltage corresponds to the voltage of the first analogwaveform from the first DAC 448, then the pulse shaping clamp 804 maycontinue to send the set current and the set voltage to the FET 808. Asa result, a pyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 that corresponds to anenabled expendable 106 may be electrically initiated thereby firing theenabled expendable 106.

FIG. 9 illustrates a process or a system 900 according to the presentdisclosure for automatically firing an expendable 106 from the platform100. At 902, a processor that is configured to automatically fire anexpendable 106 from the platform 100 (the “configured processor”)receives a firing signal from the DCDU 202 or the ATDU 204 as describedherein. At 904, the configured processor determines an appropriateresponse to receiving the signal from the DCDU 202 or the ATDU 204 asdiscussed herein. At 906, the configured processor enables an expendable106 as a function of the determined appropriate response as discussedherein. At 908, the configured processor outputs a first digitalwaveform and a second digital waveform as a function of the determinedappropriate response as discussed herein. At 910, the first DAC 448 andthe second DAC 450 output a first analog waveform and a second analogwaveform as a function of the first digital waveform and the seconddigital waveform as discussed herein. At 912, the FET 808 outputs acurrent and a voltage to a dispenser 302 with the enabled expendable 106as a function of the first analog waveform and the second analogwaveform as discussed herein. At 914, a first comparator determines ifthe output current from the FET 808 is at or below a threshold asdiscussed herein. At 916, if the first comparator determines the outputcurrent from the FET 808 is not at or below the threshold, then the FET808 lowers the output voltage below a voltage requirement of apyrotechnic impulse cartridge 304 that corresponds to the enabledexpendable 106 as discussed herein. At 918, if the first comparatordetermines the output current is below the first threshold, then asecond comparator determines if the output voltage corresponds to thevoltage of the first analog waveform as discussed herein. At 920, if thesecond comparator determines that the output voltage does not correspondto the voltage of the first analog waveform, then the FET 808 stopsoutputting current and voltage to the dispenser 302 with the enabledexpendable 106 as discussed herein. At 922, if the second comparatordetermines that the output voltage corresponds to the voltage of thefirst analog waveform, then the FET 808 continues to output current andvoltage as a function of the first analog waveform and the second analogwaveform until the expendable 106 is fired.

Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, ofwhich an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of themethod may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments maybe constructed in which acts are performed in an order different thanillustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, eventhough shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerousways. For example, embodiments of technology disclosed herein may beimplemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whenimplemented in software, the software code or instructions can beexecuted on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whetherprovided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers.Furthermore, the instructions or software code can be stored in at leastone non-transitory computer readable storage medium.

Also, a computer or smartphone utilized to execute the software code orinstructions via its processors may have one or more input and outputdevices. These devices can be used, among other things, to present auser interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide auser interface include printers or display screens for visualpresentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devicesfor audible presentation of output. Examples of input devices that canbe used for a user interface include keyboards, and pointing devices,such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets. As another example, acomputer may receive input information through speech recognition or inother audible format.

Such computers or smartphones may be interconnected by one or morenetworks in any suitable form, including a local area network or a widearea network, such as an enterprise network, and intelligent network(IN) or the Internet. Such networks may be based on any suitabletechnology and may operate according to any suitable protocol and mayinclude wireless networks, wired networks or fiber optic networks.

The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded assoftware/instructions that is executable on one or more processors thatemploy any one of a variety of operating systems or platforms.Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number ofsuitable programming languages and/or programming or scripting tools,and also may be compiled as executable machine language code orintermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine.

In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as acomputer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storagemedia) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compactdiscs, optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, USB flash drives,SD cards, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays orother semiconductor devices, or other non-transitory medium or tangiblecomputer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, whenexecuted on one or more computers or other processors, perform methodsthat implement the various embodiments of the disclosure discussedabove. The computer readable medium or media can be transportable, suchthat the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one ormore different computers or other processors to implement variousaspects of the present disclosure as discussed above.

The terms “program” or “software” or “instructions” are used herein in ageneric sense to refer to any type of computer code or set ofcomputer-executable instructions that can be employed to program acomputer or other processor to implement various aspects of embodimentsas discussed above. Additionally, it should be appreciated thataccording to one aspect, one or more computer programs that whenexecuted perform methods of the present disclosure need not reside on asingle computer or processor, but may be distributed in a modularfashion amongst a number of different computers or processors toimplement various aspects of the present disclosure.

Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as programmodules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally,program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modulesmay be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

Also, data structures may be stored in computer-readable media in anysuitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures may beshown to have fields that are related through location in the datastructure. Such relationships may likewise be achieved by assigningstorage for the fields with locations in a computer-readable medium thatconvey relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanismmay be used to establish a relationship between information in fields ofa data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or othermechanisms that establish relationship between data elements.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

“Logic”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware,firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s)or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from anotherlogic, method, and/or system. For example, based on a desiredapplication or needs, logic may include a software controlledmicroprocessor, discrete logic like a processor (e.g., microprocessor),an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmed logicdevice, a memory device containing instructions, an electric devicehaving a memory, or the like. Logic may include one or more gates,combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Logic may also befully embodied as software. Where multiple logics are described, it maybe possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one physical logic.Similarly, where a single logic is described, it may be possible todistribute that single logic between multiple physical logics.

Furthermore, the logic(s) presented herein for accomplishing variousmethods of this system may be directed towards improvements in existingcomputer-centric or internet-centric technology that may not haveprevious analog versions. The logic(s) may provide specificfunctionality directly related to structure that addresses and resolvessome problems identified herein. The logic(s) may also providesignificantly more advantages to solve these problems by providing anexemplary inventive concept as specific logic structure and concordantfunctionality of the method and system. Furthermore, the logic(s) mayalso provide specific computer implemented rules that improve onexisting technological processes. The logic(s) provided herein extendsbeyond merely gathering data, analyzing the information, and displayingthe results. Further, portions or all of the present disclosure may relyon underlying equations that are derived from the specific arrangementof the equipment or components as recited herein. Thus, portions of thepresent disclosure as it relates to the specific arrangement of thecomponents are not directed to abstract ideas. Furthermore, the presentdisclosure and the appended claims present teachings that involve morethan performance of well-understood, routine, and conventionalactivities previously known to the industry. In some of the method orprocess of the present disclosure, which may incorporate some aspects ofnatural phenomenon, the process or method steps are additional featuresthat are new and useful.

The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and inthe claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should beunderstood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used hereinin the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understoodto mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elementsthat are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively presentin other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should beconstrued in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements soconjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than theelements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used inconjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, inone embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B);in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements otherthan A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification andin the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as“and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list,“or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., theinclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a numberor list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Onlyterms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or“exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” willrefer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list ofelements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only beinterpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the otherbut not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,”“one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentiallyof,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used inthe field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” anotherfeature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or elementor intervening features and/or elements may also be present. Incontrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directlyon” another feature or element, there are no intervening features orelements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature orelement is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” toanother feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached orcoupled to the other feature or element or intervening features orelements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element isreferred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or“directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are nointervening features or elements present. Although described or shownwith respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so describedor shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature thatis disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap orunderlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be usedherein for ease of description to describe one element or feature'srelationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in thefigures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in use oroperation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Forexample, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as“under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented“over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under”can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may beotherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and thespatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”,“lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used hereinfor the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicatedotherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describevarious features/elements, these features/elements should not be limitedby these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms maybe used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element.Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a secondfeature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussedherein could be termed a first feature/element without departing fromthe teachings of the present invention.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure.Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,”“some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplaryembodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but notnecessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances“an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particularembodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or thelike, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.

If this specification states a component, feature, structure, orcharacteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particularcomponent, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to beincluded. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element,that does not mean there is only one of the element. If thespecification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does notpreclude there being more than one of the additional element.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in theexamples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may beread as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if theterm does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately”may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate thatthe value and/or position described is within a reasonable expectedrange of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may havea value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1%of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (orrange of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10%of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical rangerecited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occurin a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, nosequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitlystated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of themethod in a different order could achieve a similar result.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued.

Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of thedisclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exactdetails shown or described.

1. A method for generating a fire signal for at least one expendablecountermeasure, comprising: receiving an input signal indicative offiring the at least one expendable countermeasure; generating one ormore parameters of a digital waveform as a function of the input signal;storing in a memory the one or more parameters of the digital waveform;generating an analog waveform as a function of the one or moreparameters of the digital waveform, wherein the analog waveform is thefire signal used for firing the at least one expendable countermeasure.2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: retrieving theone or more parameters of the digital waveform from the memory; andgenerating the digital waveform as a function of the one or moreparameters.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or moreparameters is defined by a user.
 4. The method according to claim 1, theone or more parameters are selected to mitigate misfiring due to anundesired waveform.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the oneor more parameters is at least one of a rise time, fall time, or a pulsecycle of the digital waveform.
 6. The method according to claim 1,wherein the analog waveform has a voltage and a current and furthercomprising; determining the voltage corresponds to a voltage parameterof the one of more parameters before firing the at least one expendablecountermeasure.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the analogwaveform has a voltage and a current and further comprising; determiningthe voltage corresponds to a voltage parameter of the analog waveform;and in response to determining the output voltage does not correspond tothe voltage parameter, reducing the output voltage.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: generating the fire single forfiring at least four countermeasures simultaneously.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the fire signal is generated from asequencer unit that comprises a processing card and a sequencer card.10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising transmitting thefire signal from the sequencer unit to a dispenser unit to dispense theat least one expendable countermeasure.
 11. The method according toclaim 9, further comprising replacing a legacy sequencer unit with thesequencer unit.
 12. A computer program product including one or morenon-transitory machine-readable mediums encoded with instructions thatwhen executed by one or more processors cause a process to be carriedout for generating a fire signal for at least one expendablecountermeasure, the process comprising: receiving an input signalindicative of firing the at least one expendable countermeasure;generating one or more parameters of a digital waveform as a function ofthe input; storing in a memory the one or more parameters of the digitalwaveform; generating an analog waveform as a function of the one or moreparameters of the digital waveform, wherein the analog waveform providesthe fire signal for firing the at least one expendable countermeasure.13. The computer program product according to claim 12, furthercomprising: retrieving at least one parameter of the digital waveformfrom a memory; and generating the digital waveform as a function of theat least one parameter.
 14. The computer program product according toclaim 12, wherein the at least one parameter is defined by a user. 15.The computer program product according to claim 12, wherein the at leastone parameter is a rise time, or fall time, or a pulse cycle of thedigital waveform.
 16. The computer program product according to claim12, further comprising: outputting, with the circuit card, a voltage tothe countermeasure; determining the output voltage corresponds to avoltage parameter of the analog waveform; and in response to determiningthe output voltage corresponds to the voltage parameter, generating thefire signal for firing the at least one expendable countermeasure. 17.The computer program product according to claim 12, further comprising:outputting a voltage to the at least one expendable countermeasure;determining the output voltage corresponds to a voltage parameter of theanalog waveform; and in response to determining the output voltage doesnot correspond to the voltage parameter, reducing the output voltage.18. The computer program product according to claim 12, furthercomprising: generating the fire signal to fire a pluralitycountermeasures substantially simultaneously.
 19. The computer programproduct according to claim 12, wherein the fire signal is generated froma sequencer unit that comprises a processing card and a sequencer card.20. The computer program product according to claim 19, furthercomprising transmitting the fire signal from the sequencer unit to adispenser unit to dispense the at least one expendable countermeasure.